“Fireproof Your Clothing”: The Cast of Game of Thrones Dishes Out Advice To Their Characters

Whether you love them or hate them, you have to agree that almost every single character on Game of Thrones has been guilty of doing something monumentally and tragically stupid. Have you ever found yourselves shouting things at your TV come Sunday evening? “Don’t go in there! Don’t trust him! Why are you wearing that?” It’s not just the book readers shouting advice because they know what’s coming; it’s anyone with common sense. Where would Ned, Robb, Catelyn, Arya, Sansa, and the rest be if they had just listened to us, the viewers?

Behind the scenes of our April issue cover story, we asked the Game of Thrones cast what advice they would give their own character. The answers range from serious and political to silly and irreverent. But one thing is consistent: every single actor displays better judgment here than their character does on the show. You may agree with some (“Yes, smile more, Kit!”) and disagree with others (“Never, ever drink less, Tyrion”), but at least none of the advice offered here would get someone killed. Or worse.

For much more from the Game of Thrones cast and crew, pick up our April issue, available in New York and Los Angeles—as well as on the iPhone, iPad, Nook, and Kindle—on March 13. The magazine will be on national newsstands and available in an audio edition on March 18.